Dachser expands its network
International logistics provider, Dachser, has expanded its service network in the UK through the acquisition of north-west based regional and national distribution specialist, Leach Distribution.
Through the recently completed asset deal, Dachser has acquired the UK transport and distribution business of J.A. Leach Transport Limited, located in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The Leach Distribution facilities, located in a key industrial area of the UK and well situated to serve the whole of the north of England, represent a significant expansion to Dachser’s presence in the UK market, adding to the existing branch offices in Northampton and Dartford.
“This investment will strengthen our market position in the UK and create operational synergies with Dachser’s established international network. Customers will benefit from the combination of a regional presence and our integrated pan-European pallet and full-load services as well as Dachser’s global network,” says Nick Lowe, Dachser’s UK Managing Director.
“Dachser and Leach are an ideal fit,” says Lowe, “Both share the same traditional values of personalised, high-quality service levels; both are family-owned enterprises. In addition Dachser will be able to bring new levels of investment in IT and infrastructure to the current Leach resources,” he added.
John Leach commented: ‘ I am delighted that my business, which was started by my Grandfather in 1910, will be passing into a very safe pair of hands with Dachser. I am sure that this development will present great opportunities for all our staff and customers.’
Attractive employer
Leach’s staff will join the Dachser family enterprise that currently employs a total of 240 staff in the UK and some 17,500 worldwide. Over the next nine months, a carefully planned integration of the Leach business into Dachser UK will take place, giving the new colleagues access to Dachser training and staff development programmes. Lowe underlines an established Dachser philosophy: “Having professionally trained and motivated staff is a decisive factor for success in modern-day logistics.”
Leach currently operates a fleet of 40 vehicles and has over 7,300 square metres of warehouse space. As the new branch of Dachser, the Rochdale base, perfectly located close to the M62 corridor and within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Hull, will enable the pan-European service provider to meet the growing demand of its customers for their distribution and logistics solutions in the north of England.
In 2009 Dachser globally generated total revenues of EUR 3.24 billion. In the same year 17,500 staff working in 306 profit centres worldwide handled 41.8 million consignments weighing a total of 29.4 million tonnes.
